What a Neuroscientist Taught Me About Public Speaking & Setting Goals

Anne-Laure Le Cunff’s TEDx moment of vulnerability became a masterclass in emotional intelligence and resilience. Her response to blanking out mid-talk wasn’t just graceful—it was transformative.

The Setup: A Neuroscientist Faces Her Fear

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs, had long avoided public speaking. The thought of standing onstage triggered intense anxiety—sleepless nights, stomach cramps, and nightmares. But after years of desensitizing herself through small steps like posting selfie videos and sharing ideas online, she finally accepted an invitation to speak at TEDx Nashville.

Her talk was going smoothly—until halfway through, her mind went blank.

The Freeze—and the Pivot

In front of 800 people, Le Cunff experienced the nightmare every speaker dreads: total mental fog. But instead of panicking or pretending, she paused. She took a breath. And then she did something remarkable.

She named the moment.

“I just blanked out,” she said aloud.

This simple act of honesty broke the tension. The audience leaned in. And Le Cunff used the pause to demonstrate a concept she’d planned to teach: the “Rule of Awkward Silence,” a technique that encourages thoughtful reflection before responding.

The Lesson: Emotional Intelligence in Action

Le Cunff’s recovery wasn’t just impressive—it was a live demonstration of emotional intelligence. Here’s what she modeled:

• Self-awareness: She recognized her mental block and didn’t try to hide it.

• Authenticity: She spoke the truth, which built trust with the audience.

• Resilience: She turned a stumble into a teaching moment.

• Presence: She stayed grounded and connected, even in discomfort.

Her vulnerability became her strength. And the audience didn’t just forgive the pause—they applauded it.

Also below Anne-Laure Le Cunff explains ways a faster way to grow and learn: